Despite his lack of playing time this season, Barca could do well with increased depth with Champions League and multi-match weeks beginning following the international break and continuing through November.

After the match against Valencia, the Liga champions must travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund midweek, before clashing with Granada at the weekend in domestic league play.

The defence for the Liga champions has been far from pristine this term, having conceded five times in three games this season, in a disappointing start to the season that has seen them record just four points so far.